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The Grapevine (7/22/15): Politics, Petty Politics

Good morning, everyone! Welcome to the Grapevine, and for those who need to catch up, here's today's round-up of the (technically unconfirmed) dirt and rumors from the cartoon world of pro wrestling that you may have missed from the day before.

A pretty infuriating rumor is on the top of the sheet today. Let's get to it:

There are apparently "Machiavellian" forces within WWE who want Kevin Owens to fail. According to Dave Meltzer, while people will always have their detractors, it seems that this is pretty bad—those who want him to fail are actively trying to get him to fail. This might be the reason why Kevin Owens did not win the U.S. title at Battleground, among other things (Bray Wyatt, Rusev, etc.). There is "a game going on, and we're in the middle of that game." Meltzer doesn't name any names, but Cageside Seats surmises that it's Kevin Dunn, who's reportedly trying to ruin NXT call-ups mainly because he feels Triple H and Stephanie McMahon is a threat to his position. (Source: WON, Cageside Seats)

We say: Jesus. Even though it sounds like typical Meltzer conjecture, if this is true, then shame on Dunn and shame on the WWE. Like the Philippines, the only thing stopping true progress is petty politics. If the older generation ever wonders why young people don't trust them, it's because of bullshit like this. Or maybe Dunn's just jealous another Kevin is more successful than he is.

Hideo Itami is teasing that he'll be returning to action at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. Also in teasing news, NXT Diva Lina Fanene, cousin to Dwayne Johnson, is hinting that she's debuting soon, perhaps at the next set of tapings.

We say: Glad to see that Itami's coming back, as the top of the NXT food chain is thinning now that Owens seems to be moving full-time to RAW. Same goes for the ladies' side too—taking three of your best women is going to make some much-needed space in the crowding NXT roster, and what better time to start grooming new blood.

In today's #LOLTNA news, TNA is dropping most of their current talent contracts and replacing them with new per-appearance deals. The per-appearance deals will see talent making a little more money than they did with their guaranteed deals, but TNA might still keep some of their top talent on guaranteed deals. Obviously, wrestlers are not happy about this. (Source: PWInsider)

We say: Abandon ship.

ROH has reportedly sent a cease and desist letter to GFW for advertising ROH stars on the taping of the new GFW TV show, Amped. The taping will be at Las Vegas on July 24, the same day ROH is holding an iPPV in Baltimore. ROH made sure that their guys, such as Moose and Chris Sabin, won't be at Amped, but GFW is still promoting "ROH stars" on their show.

We say: Well... Jarrett's practices are looking shadier and shadier than ever. Well, it actually isn't that bad, but stories like these don't give us a lot of faith about Double J and GFW. Talent exchanges per se don't seem to be the problem, as ROH and NJPW, among others, are able to do it; they apparently just need to be better at scheduling, and of course, be upfront in promoting. (Source: PWInsider)

What do you think? Do you believe the Kevin Owens story? Should we start boycotting WWE wholesale? Let us know what you think in the comments!